• Igbo make greatest contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, says Iwuanyanwu
The Chidi Ibeh faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, urged the South East residents to ignore the two-week sit-at-home order by Finland-based acclaimed Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa. The group has also asked the people of the zone to rise and put an end to Ekpa’s nefarious and infamous activities.
In a statement in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the Secretary-General of the Ohanaeze faction, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said that the Igbo organisation has placed a substantial bounty of $500,000 on Ekpa, as a reward to anyone who can provide useful information that would lead to his arrest.
The Ohanaeze added that it is resolute, in collaboration with South East political leaders, to bring Ekpa to justice for his atrocities and alleged sponsorship of armed groups in the region.
The group further called on every Igbo to play an active role in preventing violence and disruptions of economic activities in the region.
The statement reads: “Ekpa is responsible for the recent surge in violence and insecurity in the region. He has declared another two-week sit-at-home from July 31 to August 14, 2023, undermining the authority of South East governors, who are constitutionally mandated to protect life and property of citizens.
“Ohanaeze has placed a substantial bounty of $500,000 on Ekpa’s head. The reward is offered to anyone who can provide useful information that would lead to his capture and subsequent arrest.
IN a different development, the President General of Ohanaeze, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has said that the role of the Igbo community in Nigeria’s social, political and economic history and development came to the fore at the weekend, in North London.
The Ohanaeze leader pointed out that aside from recognising Igbo for living and working in every part of the country, they are said to make the topmost economic contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Iwuanyanwu enumerated some of the contributions at a reception the United Kingdom (UK) branch of Ohanaeze held in his honour at St. Edmund’s Church Hall, in Edmonton Green.
The Igbo leader, who came in the company of former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (Rtd), told the gathering that not only are the Igbo everywhere and doing business , they make the greatest contribution to the GDP of Nigeria.”
Addressing the audience, Iwuanyanwu disclosed plans to have a Hall of Fame and Museum of Igbo history erected in honour of notable Igbo people who have helped in shaping and preserving them.
[Guardian]